PhD Opportunity in Forest Canopy Ecology at the University of Utah PhD ASSISTANTSHIPS
Forest Canopy Ecology and Responses to Human Disturbances in Tropical Cloud Forest Landscapes; University of Utah, Dept. of Biology, Salt Lake City, UT The Department of Biology at the University of Utah seeks graduate student applicants who wish to start a Ph.D. program in Fall 2012. Fellowships provide $18K per year and tuition for up to five years to pursue a PhD in Biology with Dr. Nalini Nadkarni, a Full Professor interested in forest ecology. Research will be part of NSF-supported studies of forest canopy biota – their ecological roles and responses to a variety of human effects, including forest fragmentation, climate change, and ecotourism. Long-term research sites are in Monteverde, Costa Rica, a small Quaker community that supports one of the best remaining pieces of montane cloud forests in the world. We are looking for highly motivated, self-directed students who have experience conducting research and can express themselves clearly in writing and orally. In addition to research interests in tropical forest ecology, candidates should also be strongly interested in actively contributing to public engagement of science. Selection will be based on: academic excellence, as evidenced by rigor of previous coursework, GPA, and GRE scores; innate curiosity about the natural world; research experience, as evidenced by publications and presentations; commitment to public engagement; letters of recommendation; and the statement of purpose, which should detail the applicants general and specific goals. The Department of Biology at the University of Utah (www.utah.edu) has an internationally recognized graduate program, and is ranked among the top 35 research institutions in the nation by the National Science Foundation. The Biology Department encompasses research from molecular biology to landscape and global ecology. We provide students with opportunities for practical experience and course credit in research, teaching, extension, and outreach. Our seminar series brings nationally recognized scientists to the department. Students have opportunities to develop outreach skills by participating in innovative programs of the Center for Science and Mathematics Education. Salt Lake City is a sunny Western city with outstanding cultural and outdoor recreational opportunities, including “the greatest snow on earth!” More information about our Graduate Program in Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology is available at http://www.biology.utah.edu/graduate/index.php. For application instructions, visit: http://www.biology.utah.edu/graduate/eeob/finance.php and follow links to Graduate Program. Applications are due January 7, 2012. Note in your cover letter that you are applying for a position in Dr. Nadkarni’s lab. For more information, contact: [email protected].
